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Protests outside Hotel Killarney are not right – TD

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By Sean Moriarty

Kerry Sinn Féin TD Pa Daly has called for protests to be held elsewhere other than outside Direct Provision Centres.

Daly was reacting to a situation outside Hotel Killarney last Saturday.

The hotel is a temporary home to 400 International Protection applicants including men, women and children.

It was also the location of a New Year’s day brawl that resulted in eight arrests and six people taken to hospital.

Encouraged by similar protests across the country, most notably in East Wall Dublin, a group that calls itself 'Ireland First' organised a protest rally outside the hotel.

The group were objecting to the number of residents staying at the hotel and are opposed to refugee immigration into Ireland.

Daly hit out at the group saying their actions at the hotel were inappropriate.

“I understand there are concerns and people have the right to protest,” he told the Killarney Advertiser.

“This is not the place to be doing it, there are people there who have come from situations of conflict. There is a newborn baby and a pregnant woman there. Take the protest to the centre of town, if you had a problem with A&E would you take the protest to the nurse’s house? If you had a problem with housing would you take it to the Council’s housing officer’s house?

Daly understands there are concerns regarding the number of International Protection applicants in Killarney.
However, a meeting of Kerry’s Joint Policing Committee just before the Christmas break was told that there were no reports of crime increases in the Park Road area of Killarney last year.

“There has been no increase [in crimes] and I have asked the Gardai to put out a statement to allay fears,” he added.

He has also spoken to Garda Commissioner Drew Harris and has asked for more Gardai in the Killarney area particularly in the busier summer months.

He has also spoken with Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth Roderic O'Gorman, the minister responsible for housing refugees, but added that Government has not done enough.

“The Government failed to explore the holiday home option, they have not moved on one inch since the whole Skellig Star debacle at the start of COVID,” Daly said.

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Bid to host European Presidency summit meetings gathers pace

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Tourism, Michael Cahill TD, has highlighted Killarney’s suitability to host summit meetings of international Government Ministers during Ireland’s six-month European Presidency tenure in 2026. Deputy Cahill […]

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Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Tourism, Michael Cahill TD, has highlighted Killarney’s suitability to host summit meetings of international Government Ministers during Ireland’s six-month European Presidency tenure in 2026.

Deputy Cahill believes Kerry’s available accommodation, food, and conference facilities are “second to none,” with Killarney as the central location.
“Visitors from every corner of the earth have been coming to Kerry for centuries now, to experience its beauty and serenity and have returned on many occasions because of the fabulous time they have enjoyed during their stay here,” said Deputy Cahill. “Where else would you want to bring the senior Government Ministers of all of our EU counterpart states, to experience Ireland, its customs and heritage?”
The Rossbeigh TD outlined various attractions available for visitors during downtime: “During their downtime, they can visit the Blaskets and Slea Head, Sceilg Mhichíl and the Ring of Kerry, Killarney’s Lakes, Gap of Dunloe, National Park and Sliabh Luachra, all of our glorious beaches from Ballybunion to Rossbeigh, Kells to Ventry, Whitestrand to Inch, Ballinskelligs to Cromane, Waterville to Derrynane.” He also cited Kerry’s golf courses, Listowel Writers Week, the Rose of Tralee, and Puck Fair as potential experiences.
Deputy Cahill confirmed he has raised this matter with An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin; An Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Harris; and Minister of State for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne.
“If Killarney’s bid is successful in bringing the Heads of State to our county for meetings, conferences and functions, it will be a massive boost to the local economy in Killarney and also throughout the county,” added Cahill.”Iwill continue to push in the coming months for Killarney and Kerry to be included as bases for the rounds of meetings that are to take place from July 1 to December 312026.”

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Triathlon Club launches Tuesday lake swim series

Killarney Triathlon Club has launched a new Tuesday evening swim series on the lakes, welcoming swimmers of all abilities. The weekly club swim takes place at 7PM at Dundag Beach […]

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Killarney Triathlon Club has launched a new Tuesday evening swim series on the lakes, welcoming swimmers of all abilities.

The weekly club swim takes place at 7PM at Dundag Beach and will run from June to September.
The series is designed to be a social and fitness-focused session. Staggered start times based on handicap levels will be implemented to ensure a competitive experience for all participants.
Caitriona Shanahan of Killarney Triathlon Club said: “Whether you’re looking to improve your fitness, take on a new challenge, or simply enjoy the beautiful surroundings with a supportive community, dive in and join us. The event is suitable for all levels and safety first at all times.”
Those interested in swimming, volunteering, or learning more about the club are invited to attend the sessions at Dundag Beach on Tuesday evenings or contact the club for further information.

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